WITH the aim to continue promoting linkages among farmers, buyers and service providers, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has met with farmers at Crabwood Creek, Berbice.

The meeting was facilitated through the GMC’s Extension Department, which is in a drive to continuously improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Twenty-two farmers from Parika, three farmers from Mara on the East Bank of Berbice, and four farmers from Central Corentyne, Berbice, travelled to Crabwood Creek to participate in the farmers’ exchange visit.

According to a GMC press statement, the team then journeyed by boats into the backlands where cultivation is done, after which a tour of the area was undertaken.
The visitors observed keenly the different practices undertaken by the Crabwood Creek farmers, after which a general discussion was facilitated by GMC Regional Marketing Coordinator, Milton Dookie.

The exchange visit was coordinated by Dookie; Region Six Crop Extension Officer, Devin Warner; and Crop Extension Assistant, Deon Harvey.
According to Dookie, among the many other potential outcomes, the exchange visit will enhance the knowledge of farmers as it relates to best practices, as they strive to improve the quality of their produce.

“Farmers in Guyana would use various practices in order to improve quality and productivity. It is known that farmers value their colleagues’ experience and knowledge,” Dookie said.

Additionally, the exchange visit, Dookie explained, will also promote social cohesion among stakeholders–a necessity for the building of trust.

During the interaction, the team shared information and ideas regarding production practices for various non-traditional produce in their specific geographic locations.
“Farmers from Malali sideline, Crabwood Creek, have developed and adopted production practices (plant spacing, drain construction, planting methods etc) that differ from that of farmers in Region Three, mainly due to their heavy dependence on rainfall for irrigation water,” Warner explained.

Produce such as eddoes, cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, pumpkins and watermelons are cultivated on a large scale in Crabwood Creek.

During the interactive session with the farmers, it was evident that they have a good appreciation for the production of quality produce.

SUPPORT
Nevertheless, the group expressed the need for support in understanding proper post-harvest management practices, which will ensure that the quality of their produce is maintained; which, by extension, will ensure that safe and wholesome food is delivered to consumers.

The GMC officers assured farmers that requisite training in the area of post-harvest management will be done within months.

“Being aware of the importance of good post-harvest management practices, GMC is determined to instill these values in farmers countrywide,” Warner reiterated.
He said visits of such nature will be used as a mechanism to promote the appreciation of good post-harvest management.

Further, Dookie implored farmers to use the exchange visit to establish and foster good relationships.

“What happened here today should not stop here,” Dookie told the more than 29 farmers, as he explained the importance of cultivating a relationship where experiences can be shared.

He told the farmers that though the GMC had facilitated the visit, they should now be in a place where “if you have a question, you can pick up the phone and call another farmer and they should be able to help you out.”

The farmers from Parika said they were impressed with the way farming is done in Crabwood Creek, especially with regard to the scale of production and utilisation of the large expanse of land for large-scale production.

This exchange visit followed the first one that took place last October, where farmers from Region Six visited farms in Parika, Region Three.
General Manager Ida Sealey-Adams affirmed that plans are in place to replicate these activities in other regions in 2019. She further stated that the GMC has been utilising various mechanisms to increase the capacity of its farmers over the years.

“Exchange visits have been tried and tested worldwide among farming communities. Oftentimes, the learning process reflects the different stages in the adoption hierarchy, where the creation of awareness must be followed by an interest in the practice. This commonly leads to changes in the way of thinking and a subsequent translation of ideas into action, thereafter adoption,” Adams explained.

She added: “Admittedly, this process is not immediate. It, however, requires openness and continued dialogue.”

This, Adams envisaged, will take place between the farmers and the GMC. The end result of this should see the adoption of good farming practices and better quality produce for markets.